If you’re enjoying the benefits of vitamins and minerals for a healthy lifestyle, you’re likely to have heard about the benefits of vitamin C. The immunity-boosting advantages of this powerhouse vitamin are widely known.
But its secret weapon? Its anti-aging benefits.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is yet another helpful antioxidant, staking it at the front lines of the fight against free radicals, next to glutathione, also making it an anti-aging vitamin. But ascorbic acid also carries several other superpowers to promote healthy aging:[6]
- Encourages collagen production – Collagen is a form of protein that makes up about 30% of the total protein in our bodies. It’s the primary building block of skin, bones, and other muscles. When we age, our bodies’ collagen production levels decrease, resulting in skin sagging and elasticity loss. Vitamin C can help restore collagen production to promote healthy skin, bones, and muscles.[7]
- Neutralizes free radicals – As a bona fide antioxidant, vitamin C also carries the power to neutralize free radicals and the cellular damage they cause. Free radical damage can come from our bodies’ internal activities as well as environmental factors, like sunlight and pollution, which are often outside of our control. Consuming vitamin C daily can help build a fortress of protection against this cellular wear and tear.[6]
- Promotes a healthy immune system – If your white blood cells are active and functioning properly, you likely have a strong immune system. White blood cells make up our immunity power against bacteria, viruses, and diseases, so it’s important that they stay strong and healthy. Vitamin C ensures our white blood cells can carry out their duties and keep our bodies free of age-related damage.[6]
How to Take Vitamin C
Because vitamin C is water soluble, it moves through the body quickly. That’s why it’s important to absorb vitamin C in your diet as often as you can. Vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.
Many people also supplement their diet with vitamin C to ensure they’re getting the optimal amount per day to foster anti-aging power and immunity support. Liposomal Vitamin C supplements can be found in tablet or drink powder form for easy consumption.
You can also apply Vitamin C topically on aging skin. Plenty of serums, toners, and even powders pair vitamin C with other active ingredients, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and green tea extract to improve the skin’s complexion. Aside from their anti-aging benefits, these vitamins boost skin health, improve skin elasticity, and maintain skin hydration.
If you do apply vitamin C on your skin during the daytime, make sure to apply sunscreen afterward. Vitamin C is considered an active ingredient, so it oxidizes faster under UV rays. Without proper suncare, skin aging may accelerate, which is the opposite of the desired effect.
